Tuesday, November 16, 2010

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

A year after the infamous Taylor Swift incident, Kanye West debuted “Runaway” at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. Kanye also introduced the public to his G.O.O.D. Friday project, in which West has been releasing tracks to the public but tried to keep fans guessing about which tracks would make the final album cut.

In what some have called an effort to make the next “Thriller” video, the full-length “Runaway” film is visually stunning and simplistically intriguing. The film is a raw and organic look at Kanye West and a departure from his usual bravado, as we witness West fall in love with, well, a bird.

Nicki Minaj babbling in an awful attempt at a British accent introduces the full-length “Runaway” film, however it is quickly redeemed by the intense and determined introduction of “Dark Fantasy.” Kid Cudi’s soft voice makes a cameo next in “Gorgeous,” followed by a slightly modified version “Power,” which has a strong beat based on female vocals.

Next, “All of the Lights” (featuring Rihanna) comes to life in the video with a fireworks display and a Michael Jackson-themed parade, while “Devil in a New Dress” is the background to an elaborate dinner party in a warehouse with no lack of racial and societal commentary.

After a dinner guest points out that Kanye’s beautiful girlfriend is indeed a bird, the film segues into the actual performance of “Runaway,” featuring ballerinas clad in black dancing a mix of classical and urban ballet. The film then samples a snippet of “Hell of a Life” (which features Lil Wayne on the full album) and “Blame Game” featuring John Legend—a pretty, piano-laiden track with less than pretty lyrics. “Blame Game” is followed by “Lost in the World,” a beautifully lyrical and harmonious introduction which follows up with an energizing beat leading to the dramatic finale of the film.

We once again see a more aggressive and brash Kanye, not to mention a boastful and sexually arrogant Mr. West. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (out November 22) shows Kanye’s ability to constantly evolve and simultaneously be his own biggest fan and critic.

The Kanye we witness in My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is a Kanye which is much more reminiscent of his old days on the College Dropout and Gradation albums, rather than the slow, melancholy sounds of 808s & Heartbreak. His ability to combine snippets of soulful singers with steady raps and solid beats is nothing short of the comeback that Kanye’s fans were looking for. Welcome back Mr. West.